Writing to Dr Stoate, Treasuury Minister Jane Kennedy said, "To qualify for a nil rate of customs duty, an invalid carriage has to be designed solely for the use of disabled persons.  International customs classification experts have decided that mobility scooters do not belong in this category at present as they are also suitable for use by able-bodied people."

"HMRC recognise the impact of this issue on both the companies and the individuals involved and are working with the British Healthcare Trade Association to try to pursue a change to the customs duty." 

Speaking in response Dr Stoate said, "I am pleased that the Treasury recognises the obviously unfair nature of this classification and I hope it will prove successful in its efforts to bring about a change.  I will continue to put pressure on my colleagues in the Treasury to achieve this."